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Struggle vs Climb

Struggle is not a word I like very much. In fact, the struggle is not real in my head. Many people, when asked, “How are you doing?”, sometimes respond, “ I am there,struggling.” The idea that they have accepted struggle is the real problem. What many view as struggle, is what I see as climb. Let me explain.

Recently, I was chatting with one of my closest girlfriends and she referred to a period in our lives when she felt we both struggled and a bell went off in my head. At that point, I finally realized that I did not see it the same way she did. I would later confess to her and explain my point of view. Since I have known myself, I have never been without food, clothing or shelter. At some points in my life, my finances may have been exact, and I could not have afforded all the things I wanted, but God always gave me what I needed. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age but I never struggled.

Struggle is a mindset; one that I reject. When I look back at those times when I felt like I was struggling,I realize that I was actually climbing! Sometimes, based on how tall the mountain is, the climb can feel like a struggle. As you know, before you get to the top of the mountain, you have to go through hills and valleys. Some days you meet a nice stream and you rest for a bit and then you keep on climbing. Other days you encounter a big river and you have no idea how you are going to cross it. You can be at that point for days, months and sometimes years. At times you meet a cliff or two as you are climbing, and you have to keep looking up, because if you look down, that might be the end of the journey.The ones who make it to the top are those who continue to climb regardless of what challenges they encounter along the way.

Not everyone you know can climb that mountain with you. Some people will tell you up front that you cannot climb it and others will start the climb, but constantly complain and give up along the way. One or two people will remain to hold your hand when you fall and remind you that you have reached too far to turn back now.

The point is when you are climbing you will experience resistance. That is what’s real, not the struggle. To achieve what you really want in life, you have to climb. Nobody is going to lift you up and climb a mountain with you on their back. When you truly understand that life is a climb, then you keep it moving. You only struggle when you see it as a struggle, other than that, you are climbing. Some people are afraid of heights so they choose to stay at the bottom. That’s fine. Do not allow their fear of heights to talk you out of your desire for a panoramic view.

Most of all, do not try to climb a mountain with people who think they are struggling. You will never make it to the top. Get rid of the strugglers and surround yourself with people who enjoy climbing mountains. That way you will enjoy the climb together. So for those of you who thought I was struggling, well, I hope you realize that all this time I have actually been climbing #Basiastyle😜. And I am actually enjoying the view.

P.S The next time you greet someone and they tell you they are struggling, 🏃‍♀️ (run). Follow me on Instagram.com/basiapowell.